Download TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOIDECTOMY

PAIN. Earache and sore throat are
expected following surgery. Take the pain
medication as prescribed or if you have no
pain medication, you may take Tylenol® as
directed on the label.
To relieve the sore throat and earache,
wrap a cold towel or ice pack around the neck
The ear pain is often its worst 4-5 days
after surgery. This is common, and there is
no need for alarm. The ear pain comes from
the throat up to the ears and does not mean
there is an ear infection. This discomfort
should disappear within 7 to 10 days after
surgery. If you have ear pain with ear
drainage or hearing loss, call the doctor.
AVOID PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND
EXERTION. Excessive physical activity raises
the blood pressure and can cause bleeding.
Avoid strenuous physical activity should be
undertaken for two weeks following surgery.
BLEEDING. Bleeding may be noticed
from the nose or throat and may occur for a
period of up to ten days following surgery.
If bleeding occurs, the patient should sit
upright, breathe deeply through the mouth
and gently gargle with plain, cool water.
NOTIFY THE DOCTOR ON CALL IF
BLEEDING OCCURS. If a doctor cannot be
reached, take the patient to the nearest
hospital emergency room.
COUGHING. Try not to cough. Coughing
is an irritation to the throat and can cause
bleeding.
REST. To heal well, your body needs
extra rest after surgery. Reduce your activities
for the first week.
BAD BREATH. Mouth odor is part of the
normal healing process and will be present from
10 to 14 days. If the breath is foul, gently gargle
with equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, Cepacol®
and water. This gargle solution will help rid your
mouth of odor and any white film that may be
in the patient’s throat.
TONSILLECTOMY
AND
ADENOIDECTOMY
Begin gargling about five days after
surgery.
ROOM AIR TEMPERATURE. A cool, moist
environment is best for the healing process.
Keep the room temperature cooler than 70˚.
To keep the throat from being dry, use a clean,
disinfected vaporizer in the patient’s bedroom.
Remember: Change the water in the vaporizer
every day.
You deserve a breath of fresh air ®
THE RECOVERY PROCESS. It will take about
about 10-14 days for you to feel fully recovered.
Some days may be more uncomfortable than
others. Overall, each day will be a little better
than the day before.
Remember, your recovery is a process, not
an event.
Date of Surgery:
Surgery Center:
Surgery Center Phone Number:
First Appointment after Surgery:
HOWARD L. LEVINE, M.D., F.A.C.S.
CLEVELAND NASAL-SINUS & SLEEP CENTER
5555 TRANSPORTATION BOULEVARD
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44125
216-518-3298 OR 800-24-SINUS
CLEVELAND NASAL-SINUS & SLEEP CENTER,
© 2002
TONSILLECTOMY is the surgical removal
of the tonsils and is one of the most common
operations performed on children. Sometimes
adults require a tonsillectomy. It is a safe,
effective surgical method of resolving some
breathing obstruction and/or recurring throat
infections.
The adenoids
are located behind
the nose and above
the roof of the
mouth. Adenoids may
become infected,
obstruct breathing
T
Tongue
and can even
Lar
ge tonsil
cause recurrent ear
infections when they
block the eustachian
tube—the small tube connecting the ear to the
back of the nose.
Long uvula
ADENOIDECTOMY is the surgical removal
of the adenoids to assist in managing recurrent
ear infections in childhood. It is common to
have both tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
done at the same time.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN PRODUCTS (Advil ,
Nuprin®, Motrin®, other NSAIDS). You must
not take any of these products for one
week before and one week following
your surgery.
surgery If you have any questions about
your medications, contact your doctor.
®
SPECIAL MEDICATIONS. Bring medication
taken regularly with you. If you use
medications for high blood pressure, heart
problems, asthma or diabetes, check with your
surgeon about taking them the morning of
your surgery.
SURGERY SCHEDULE. You will be told by
the hospital or surgery center when to arrive for
your surgery.
EATING & DRINKING BEFORE SURGERY.
Most anesthetics require a time period with no
food or drink. You will be advised about your
eating and drinking schedule.
WHAT TO BRING. Wear loose, comfortable
clothing. For children, a favorite toy or blanket
often provides comfort. Adults will want to
bring a few personal items, such as a toothbrush,
slippers, and robe. Most patients find it easier
to use hospital gowns instead of their personal
bed clothes. If you usually wear contact lenses,
you will be more comfortable wearing your eye
glasses after surgery.
LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME.
ARRANGE YOUR TRANSPORTATION. Since
one adult may be needed to care for the child on
the ride home, a second adult is recommended
as a driver. The adult patient should not drive
for 24 hours following surgery and therefore
someone must be available to drive you home.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
PRE-SURGERY JITTERS. A child life worker
may visit with you and your child before surgery
and be present in the operating room to help
relieve fears and calm nerves.
ANESTHESIA. You will have a chance
to discuss anesthesia with a member of the
anesthesia department before surgery. Also, the
doctor will see you before surgery to answer
any last minute questions. One parent is usually
permitted to accompany the younger patient
into the operating room until the anesthesia is
started.
THE RECOVERY ROOM.Patients will
remain in the recovery area for several hours
or until the recovery from the surgery and
anesthesia is satisfactory. Often a parent may
be permitted to stay with the child in the
recovery room. Ask the doctor.
THE FIRST TWO WEEKS
AFTER SURGERY
You will receive a diary that will describe
what you can expect during the 10 days
following surgery. The diary is a place to keep
track of your progress and questions.
DIET. Even though swallowing may cause
some throat pain, it is very important that the
patient continue to drink lots of liquids.
Children should drink at least 32
ounces of liquid per day. Adults should drink
at least 48 ounces of liquid per day. This
means sucking on ice chips or sipping liquids
every few minutes. Popsicles®, iced tea or
sherbet are also easy to swallow and provide
necessary liquid . Dehydration of body tissues
causes fever and delays the healing process.
Most patients prefer cool or lukewarm
liquids. Citrus juices and milk products should
be avoided.
It is common to have some difficulty fully
opening the mouth for the first two weeks
after surgery. Avoid rough, crunchy food and
hot liquids.
A soft foods may be eaten, including
yogurt, custard, pudding, Jello®, apple sauce
and scrambled eggs.